I got to know Eileen Gray when I was chairing Kingston Arts Council, and very much admired and respected her as a fine example of a local councillor and delightful personality.

She was passionate about her Surbiton and on more than one occasion told me how much she regretted its demise.

Surely, if there was anyone who deserves a local green plaque it is Eileen, for here we have a woman who not only founded the Women’s Cycle Racing Association and successfully lobbied for women’s cycling to be included in the Olympics but, unlike many of the those commemorated on other plaques, put so much back into the community.

JOHN McCARTHY
Surbiton